Gregory James Boom

Gregory James Boom was born on Sunday, May 11, 1941 on the family farm east of Aredale, a son of Francis and Alma (Jewell) Boom and died on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Deery Suites with his beloved wife of 63 years by his side.

He received his education from Greene High School and graduated in 1959. He attended Hawkeye Institute of Technology. On October 19, 1963 he was united in marriage to LaRue Dettmering at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waterloo, IA. Greg and LaRue lived in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Denver, IA their married life. Greg served in the Army Reserve 404th Signal Corps from 1966-1971. He retired in 1999 as a Supervisor at John Deere Product Engineering Center after 34 years and 5 months of service at the company.

Greg was active in 4-H, where he was local Club President, County Officer and had the Grand Champion Baby Beef Calf in the Butler County Fair in 1956. He was a member of the Hoof Beats which was a mounted horse drill team that performed in Northeast, IA. He helped in organizing the Northeast Iowa Wood Carvers Club and was the first club president.

Greg had many hobbies and interests. He did metal and wood working, wood carvings, stone carvings and made a stone Carin and barb wire art. He collected signs and bought and sold on E-Bay. LaRue and Greg had Street Rods for over 39 years going to many car shows. He also had a very large auto memorabilia collection. He did family genealogy making many genealogy books for family members. He always had a project. He rode and completed Ragbrai, the great bicycle ride across Iowa 2 times. Greg was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Living family members include his loving wife, LaRue, of 63 years; two daughters, Stephanie (Dan) Maiers of Johnston, IA and Margo (Tim) Ketels of Dyersville, IA; one granddaughter, Sydney Ketels; one brother and sister-in-law, Kent and Myrna Boom of Corona Del Mar, CA; cousins and several nieces and nephews. Greg was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 18 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, July 17 at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. Private burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, UnityPoint Hospice or a memorial of choice.

To the incredible staff on the 2nd floor of the Deery Suites, you are all truly a blessing, and we will never forget your kindness.

The family of Greg Boom acknowledges your kind expressions of sympathy offered to them at this time.